Be Content With What You Have

I learned a great lesson Sunday morning in Sunday school. While Becky was out speaking at the Women's Retreat, Nathan took over our class. Although we have been researching Philippians for the past 3 weeks, the final chapter (4) was what hit me in the noggin'; I have goosebumps right now simply typing about it.

10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings 21Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen

Shawn and I signed a contract on Monday for our new home, and today we signed the contract for the loan. This is a huge deal and a huge financial responsibility. To say the least, we are scared silly. But, the hearing those versus really opened my eyes and I felt a strong need to read them to Shawn last night, and I did. I realized that there is not a doubt in my mind that Shawn and I can not only pay the mortgage and our bills, and still have money left over for savings. The only reason we were frightened was because we have become so complacent in our comfort zones. We have never been married, so we did not know how much being married would cost. Today we found out how much our car insurance would increase, not to mention health insurance. For so long I have been riding under my parents wings and Shawn has been lucky to have an apartment that only costs $250/month!

Getting our financial statements ready for the mortgage lender, Tonda, and discussing our monthly salaries I was shocked! If the only bill I have to pay is my car insurance, then where did the rest of my paychecks go?! I want to throw up thinking of my lack of savings! Shawn and I have plenty in our account, however we could have so much more! Just looking at our most recent bank statements, 90 percent of our debits were to fast food restaurants! What a waste!

So many of us have become so consumed in our worldly ways, by worldly things, that we forget to be content in what we already have. We yearn for more and, when we receive it, it isn't good enough! We always want more! Why can't we look at what we already have our possession and want it as bad as we want newer, shinier things? I want nice furniture for my living room to impress company, instead of our used "hand-me-down" blue couch and non-matching brown recliner. But, they are still fabulous and usable! So, I realize that I don't NEED a new living room suit! I have plenty, thanks to God, and that's what I need to remind myself. Anytime I want a new pair of shoes or wish I could go get a pedicure, I will remind myself that I have all I need right inside my home. I have the love of a wonderful man, a roof over my head, and I'm breathing! What more could I need?